Fluid power transfer apparatus



p 24, 1963 F. A. BOWER, JR 3,402,667

' FLUID POWER TRANSFER APPARATUS Filed April 3, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet lFIGI 1 INVENTOR 24 74! 22 5 30d FRANK ABOWER JR.

ATTQRNEI p 1968 F. A. BOWER, JR

FLUID POWER TRANSFER APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 3, 1967FIG?) ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,402,667 FLUID POWER TRANSFER APPARATUS Frank A.Bower, Jr., Chicago, Ill., assignor to Panther Pumps & Equipment (30.,Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Continuation-impart ofapplication Ser. No. 542,545, Apr. 14, 1966. This a plication Apr. 3,1967, Ser. No. 643,768

21 Claims. (Cl. 103-44) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A fluid powertransfer apparatus divided into chambers by a diaphragm wherein a fluidforce is applied to one surface of the diaphragm in order to transmitthe force to the opposite surface of the diaphragm. The diaphragm of theapparatus is protected against excessive wear or damage by a valvepositioned in at least one of the chambers which responds to pressurechanges in one of the chambers to limit diaphragm movements. Theapparatus can utilize two or more diaphragms to provide at least oneintermediate chamber between that wherein the force is applied and thatwherein the force is utilized. Pressure responsive valves are also usedin conjunction with these latter systems to limit diaphragm life. Eachsuch apparatus is designed for the employment of mod ularized diaphragmand valve components to enhance interchangeability and replacement.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending applicationSer. No. 542,545, filed Apr. 14, 1966, for Fluid Transfer Apparatus.

Heretofore, the diaphragms of prior art diaphragm type pumps and motorswere susceptible to breakage or damage in the event pressure on eitherside of the diaphragm increased to an extent suflicient to move thediaphragm beyond the limits of movement for which the diaphragm wasdesigned to operate. Such pressure increases could be caused, forexample, by blockage in the inlet or outlet lines of the chamber of thefluid being pumped. Quite often the diaphragm would extrude" into theoutlet line.

Pressure responsive valve arrangements were employed in the prior art toprovide means for assuring that the pressure in the pumped fluid chamberwas maintained within limits to prevent such damage to the diaphragm.These valves, however, were located in the pumped fluid lines and, inthose cases where the pumped fluid was abrasive or corrosive to metal,the pumped fluid would eventually deteriorate the materials of thevalves, thus requiring periodic replacement of valves and valve partswhich could only be accomplished through the expenditure of considerabletime and effort and resulted in substantial and expensive lost timedelays.

Moreover, these valves were slow acting and would not shut off the pumpor motor in the short period of time required to minimize thepossibility of damage to the diaphragm.

With the present invention, these problems and difliculties of the priorart, among others, are substantially overcome by the provision of apressure control system for a diaphragm pump or motor including at leasta pair of diaphragms having a predetermined volume of fluid therebetweenwhich are responsive to the pressure conditions in the chambers for boththe pumped fluid and the pumping fluid, and a valve carried by one ofthe diaphragms for the pumped fluid and the pumping fluid, and a valvecarried by one of the diaphragms for quick and positive response topressure changes in said chambers to minimize the possibility of damageto the diaphragm in contact with the pumped fluid. Modularizedconstruction of diaphragm pump components to permit them to be readilyreplaced in the event of damage has also enhanced the utility of thefluid transfer apparatus of the invention.

It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide new andimproved fluid transfer apparatus, such as diaphragm pumps and motors.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new andimproved fluid transfer apparatus of the' diaphragm type employing aquick acting, positive valve arrangement for preventing damage to thepumping diaphragm of the transfer apparatus.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pressureresponsive control system responsive to pressure conditions in thepumped fluid chamber of a diaphragm pump or motor for controllingmovement of the diaphragm.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pressureresponsive valve control system responsive to pressure conditions in thepumped fluid chamber of a diaphragm pump or motor and which includes avalve arrangement which is not in direct contact with the pumped fluid.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved pressure responsive valve control system for a diaphragm pumpor motor, said system including a pair of diaphragms with apredetermined volume of fluid between the diaphragms and a valve headcarried by one of the diaphragms in a location where the valve head isnot in contact with the pumped fluid of the pumped fluid chamber therebyto prevent contact of the pumped fluid with the valve.

It is another object of the invention to utilize a modularized type ofconstruction for diaphragm and valve components which will permit asimple and fast means for substituting pump components to reduce theotherwise substantial and expensive pump down time for maintenance andrepair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressureresponsive valve control system for a diaphragm pump or motor whichpermits removal of air from a location in the high pressure area of thepumping fluid chamber thereby to enhance the mechanical efficiency ofthe pump or motor.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become readily apparent from a careful consideration ofthe following detailed description, when considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawing illustrating preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, wherein like reference numerals refer to like orcorresponding parts, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical section through a diaphragm pump illustrating theprinciples of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a generally schematic illustration in vertical section of asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is an exploded vertical sectional view of the diaphragm pump ofFIGURE 1 illustrating the modular construction of the diaphragm element;and

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation of a modularized form of a valve anddiaphragm element of the invention.

Although the present invention has a variety of applications, a suitableenvironment, therefore, appears in FIGURE 1 and takes the form of adiaphragm pump 10, such as that disclosed in copending application Ser.No. 417,537, filed Dec. 11, 1964.

The pump 10 comprises three body sections 12, 14 and 16 which aresecured together as by bolts 18. As can best be seen in FIGURE 3, thepump is designed with a modularized construction with sections 12, 14and 16 being separable upon removal of bolts 18.

When the pump is assembled, the sections 12, 14 and 16 define a cavity,indicated generally by the numeral 20, which is divided by a pair ofspaced diaphragms 22 and 24 into three chambers, a pumped fluid chamber26, a pumping fluid chamber 28 and a chamber 30 which is intermediatechambers 26 and 28, for purposes hereinafter more fully described.

Prior to the assembly of the body sections 12, 14 and 16 by bolts 18, itcan be seen, as shown in FIGURE 3, that the central body section 14 is amodular or one-piece section to which diaphragms 22 and 24 have beenpreviously secured in a conventional manner, such as by bonding. In theutilization of modularization of pump elements, as shown, the assemblyof pumps during manufacture is expedited, but the replacement of worn,damaged or broken elements of the pump in the field is greatly enhanced.Therefore, the replacement of the entire central body section,diaphragms and pressure responsive valves can be effected in the fieldwith only an inconsequential down time loss due to pump repairs. Themodular construction also makes possible the sale and storage of modularpump elements, and particularly the diaphragm portion thereof, in unitswhereby a user can purchase the whole preassembled diaphragm componentfrom a distributor. This eliminates a multitude of problems relating toquestions of diaphragm weight and dimension, relative flexibility, valvedimensions and attachment means.

Fluid to be pumped is introduced into the pumping chamber 26 through aninlet passageway 32 and past a one-way check valve 34 seated in a collar36 secured, as by bolts 38, to the housing section 12. From the chamber26, fluid is pumped under the influence of the diaphragm 22 through theoutlet passageway 40.

Pumping fluid, such as oil, is introduced into the pump ing fluidchamber 28 through an inlet passageway 42. The action of a piston 44reciprocated in a cylinder 46 which communicates with chamber 28provides the pumping action on fluid in chamber 28.

In addition to the spaced diaphragms 22 and 24, the

pressure responsive valve control system of the present inventionincludes the chamber 30 which is divided into a pair of compartments,compartments 30a and 30b, 'by an internal wall 48 defined by the housingsection 14. The wall 48 of the modular body section 14 is showncentrally bored, as at 50, to establish communication betweencompartments 3011 and 30b.

' Compartments 30a and 3012 are filled with a noncompressible fluidwhich may be introduced into these compartments through a passageway 52communicating with the bore 50. The quantity of fluid in chamber 30 ispreferably maintained volumetrically constant; however, this quantitymay be varied to provide a metering valve arrangement discussed morefully hereinafter.

In addition to the diaphragm 22 and 24, chamber 30 and the fluid inchamber 30, the pressure responsive valve control system of the presentinvention includes a pair of valve heads, one of which, a valve head 54,is carried by the diaphragm 24 and the other of which, a valve head 56,is carried by the diaphragm 22. The valve head 54 is carried by thediaphragm 22 in a normally open position and in a position to close thebore 50 by seating on a valve seat 58, whereas, the valve 56 is carriedby the diaphragm 24 in a position to close the bore 50 by seating on avalve seat 60. Both valve seats 58 and 60 may be formed, as shown inFIGURE 1, on the wall 48 with the entire structure being a singlemodular component.

The valve heads 54 and 56 are maintained in their positions on therespective diaphragms by collars 62 and 64 which are secured, as byscrews 66 and 68 which extend through the diaphragms into the valveheads.

Thus, the valve heads 54 and 56 are movable from normally open to closedposition to permit flow of fluid between compartments 30a and 30b.

It will be appreciated that neither of the valve h d 54 or 56 arelocated in the path of the fluid being pumped through chamber 26 and,therefore, if the pumped fluid passing through chamber 26 to metal orplaster, the pumped fluid is corrosive or abrasive it cannot act on thevalve heads.

In operation, reciprocation of the piston 44 acts on the driving orpumping fluid in the chamber 28 to cause reciprocation of the diaphragm24, reciprocable movement of the fluid inchamber 30 between compartments30a and 30b through the bore 50 and reciprocation of the diaphragm 22 topump pumped fluid through chamber 26.

If for any reason the pressure in the pumping fluid chamber 28 shouldexceed a predetermined ressure level, pressure forces will move thediaphragm 24 to the left, if a predetermined maximum pressure isreached, the diaphragm 22 will move to a position where the valve head54 seats on the valve seat 53 to prevent flow between compartments 30aand 3015. After seating of the valve 54, the pressure in compartment 36aand thus on the diaphragm 22 will not increase further and the diaphragm22 will not be subjected to further pressure increase which might break,damage or extend the diaphragm into the outlet 40. Thus, effective meansare provided by the present invention for preventing pressure in thepumping fluid chamber 28 from acting on the diaphragm 22 if the pressurein chamber 28 exceeds a predetermined level.

If for any reason the pressure in the pumped fluid chamber 26 shouldexceed a predetermined pressure level, the diaphragm 22 will be moved tothe right, as viewed in FIGURE 1. If a predetermined maximum pressure isreached, such movement of the diaphragm 22 to the right will continueuntil the valve head 56 engages the valve seat 60 to prevent flowbetween compartments 30a and 30b whereby the pressure in chamber 26 isnot thereafter transmitted to the fluid in compartment 30b or to thepumping fluid chamber 28. Thus undesirable pressures in the pumped fluidchamber 26 can be prevented from affecting unduly the operation of thepumping fluid chamber 28. It will be observed, therefore, that, with thepresent invention, simple and effective precalibrated valve means isprovided for minimizing the possibility of damage to the pumpingdiaphragm (diaphragm 22) which might be caused by pressure increases ineither the pumped fluid chamber 26 or pumping fluid chamber 28.

Moreover, the present invention provides new and improved means forpositioning the valve means in a location which is not in contact withthe fluid being pumped to prevent corrosion or abrasion of valve parts,if the pumped fluid, such as certain paints, is of that nature.

Another feature of the present invention resides in utilization of thepressure responsive valve control system of the present invention inassociation with an air removal system for a pumping fluid chamber 28 ofa diaphragm pump or motor, such as the diaphragm pump or motor of FIGURE1.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the air removal system comprises an outletpassageway 61 adjacent the top of the chamber 28 in a location Whereair, if any, would be trapped during operation of the pump or motor.

Air may be entrained in the pumping fluid when introduced into thepumping fluid chamber 28 or may be introduced from other externalsources. Air being compressible will, when introduced into the pumpingfluid chamber 28, reduce or impair considerably the mechanicalefficiency of such pumps or motors.

Heretofore, unsuccessful eflorts have been made to remove air frompumping fluid chambers at What is called the low pressure side of thechamber, e.g., from a location in the piston cylinder 46, rather thanfrom the high pressure side of the pumping fluid chamber adjacent thepumping diaphragm. Removal of air from the low pressure side of thepumping fluid chamber has been largely lnetfective, primarily becausethe majority of the air is entrained in the pumping fluid in this areaof the pumping fluid chamber.

the calibration of the pressure responsiveness of the dia-' phragms 22and 24 so that the valves 54 and 56 will seat to close the house 50under different pressure limits depending upon the use of the pump. Forthis purpose, the inlet 52 for chamber 30 may be utilized to introducedifferent volumes of fluid in chamber 30. Thus, chamber 30 with apredetermined volume of fluid therein may be used for pumping of aparticular material. Then, by changing the volume of the fluid in thechamber 30, the pump may be utilized for pumping a different material.

In FIGURE 2 is shown an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwherein three spaced diaphragms 22 and 24 and a third diaphragm 25,rather than two diaphragms are employed and wherein a pair of valveheads carried by the diaphragm 24 only may be employed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modular element of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 2. In this instance, the middle diaphragm 24 is provided with apair of valve heads, one being applied to each of the diaphragm faces.The diaphragm, as shown in FIG. 4, is provided with a gasket 24a. A pairof gaskets may be used, one adjacent each face of the diaphragm whererequired. This valved diaphragm 24 can be replaced by separating housingsections 14 and 75, placing diaphragm 24 therebetween and by joining thehousing sections.

In keeping with the modularized concept of the invention, gasketeddiaphragm 24 can be supplied individually or it can be supplied incombination with a pre-assembled unit consisting of diaphragm 22,housing section 14, valved diaphragm 24, housing section 75 anddiaphragm 25. This preassembled unit complete with a noncompressiblefluid in compartments 30a-d can thereby be readily connected betweenhousing sections 12 and 16 as a substitute unit, or it can be employedas a replacement for the unit 22, 14 and 24 of FIG. 1 to provide analternate pump unit.

The valve head 56 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is not carried in theembodiment of FIGURE 2 by diaphragm 22 but rather is carried along withthe valve head 54 by the diaphragm 24. The diaphragm 24 carries thevalve head 56 in position for seating on a seat 70 formed by a wall 72of a fourth housing section 75. The wall 72 is bored, as at 74, tocommunicate two additional compartments 30c and30d of chamber 30 whichin this embodiment has a different shape than chamber 30 of FIGURE 1. Anoncompressible fluid fills compartments 30c and 30d as well ascompartments 30a and 30b.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGURE 2, if the pressure in the pumpingfluid chamber 28 exceeds predetermined limits, the diaphragms 25 and 24will be moved so that the valve head 54 will be seated on seat 58 andprevent fluid pressure of chamber 28 from further acting on thediaphragm 22. Conversely, if the fluid pressure in the pumped fluidchamber 26 exceeds predetermined limits, the diaphragms 22 and 24 willbe moved so that the valve head 56 will be seated on the seat 70 toprevent pressure in the pumped fluid chamber 26 from acting on thepumping fluid in the chamber 28. Use of this pressure responsive valvecontrol system of FIGURE 2 is particularly advantageous, when pumpinghighly corrosive or abrasive material which would affect the materialsof construction of the valves, because the diaphragm 22 does not carry avalve head.

The third diaphragm 25 and compartments 30c and 30d are employed foreffective utilization of the air removal outlet 60, but if air removalfrom the pumping fluid chamber is not a signficant problem, diaphragm 25and the fluid in the compartments 30c and 30d could be eliminated.

It will also be appreciated that various other arrangements of valveslocated on the three diaphragms 22, 24 and 25 with valve seats 58 and 60and with other valves and valve seats on wall or adjacent the inlets and82 could be effectively utilized for controlling the effects ofundesired pressure increases in the pumped fluid chamber and the pumpingfluid chamber on the pump.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that the present invention provides anew and improved pressure responsive valve control system for diaphragmpumps and motors with or without added features of valve corrosion andabrasion protection, air removal, and variable pressure response limitsof the valve control system.

The pressure responsive valve control system of the present inventioncan be considered a designator, i.e., one diaphragm controls ordesignates the movement of the other diaphragm.

Moreover, by use of a colored fluid in the chamber between thediaphragms, a diaphragm leak indicator may be conveniently provided forindications of leaks in connection with either the diaphragm adjacentthe pumped fluid chamber or the diaphragm adjacent the pumping fluidchamber.

Although minor modifications and alterations of the present inventionwill become readily apparent to those versed in the art, it should beunderstood that what is intended to be encompassed within the scope ofthe patent warranted herein are all such embodiments as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of the contribution to the art herebymade.

I claim:

1. In a fluid power transfer apparatus including a housing defining acavity, a first diaphragm secured in the cavity and dividing the cavityinto a first pumped fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, a seconddiaphragm secured in the cavity between the first diaphragm and a walldefining the cavity, the second diaphragm providing a third fluidchamber separated from the second fluid chamber, one of the diaphragmsbeing disposed to transmit fluid pressure generated forces to the otherof the diaphragms through at least one passage in the second fluidchamber, valve means positioned completely outside the passage andbetween the first and second diaphragm, the valve means being responsiveto pressure conditions in at least one of the chambers for limiting thedistance of movement of one of the diaphragms to minimize wear anddamage of such diaphragm.

2. In fluid power transfer apparatus including a housing defining acavity separated by a first diaphragm into a first pumped fluid chamberand a second fluid chamber and having fluid inlets and outlets for saidchambers, valve means in said second chamber and responsive to pressureconditions in at least one of said chambers for limiting the distance ofmovement of said diaphragm to thereby minimize wear and of and damage tosaid diaphragm, said valve means including a second diaphragm disposedin said cavity, said second diaphragm being. spaced from said firstdiaphragm and defining with said first diaphragm a third chamber locatedbetween said first and second chambers for receiving a predeterminedvolume of noncompressible fluid, and includes a valve head carried bysaid second diaphragm for controlling flow of fluid in said thirdchamber in response to pressure conditions in at least one of saidchambers.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said second chamber is a pumpingfluid chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said valve means includes a walldisposed in said housing and separating said third chamber into firstand second fluid compartments, and a port in said wall for flow of fluidbetween said first and second compartments, said valve head carried bysaid second diaphragm being carried in a position to control flow offluid through said port whereby movement of said diaphragm in responseto pressure conditions in at least one of said chambers causes openingor closing of said port by said valve head.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including an inlet passageway to said thirdchamber for supply of fluid to said chamber.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said passageway is connected withsaid port.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said wall carries a valve seat forsaid valve head and said valve head is responsive to increases inpressure in said pumping fluid chamber to close said port.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said valve means includes a secondvalve head carried by said first diaphragm in said third chamber forcontrolling flow of fluid through said port in response to increases inpressure in said pumped fluid chamber.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said valve means includes a secondvalve head carried by said first diaphragm in said third chamber forcontrolling flow of fluid through said port in response to increases inpressure in said pumped fluid chamber.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said valve means includes a secondwall in said housing for separating said third chamber into third andfourth compartments, a port in said second wall for flow of fluidbetween said third and fourth compartments, and a second valve headcarried by said second diaphragm in a position to control flow of fluidthrough said second port, said second valve head closes said second portin response to pressure increases in said second chamber and said secondvalve head closes said second port in response to pressure increases insaid first chamber to thereby prevent damage to said first diaphragm.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 including a third diaphragm disposed insaid third chamber in spaced relation to said second diaphragm, saidthird diaphragm defining with said second diaphragm a fourth chamber forreceiving a predetermined volume of noncompressible fluid, said thirddiaphragm and last mentioned fluid being provided to transmit pressureforces from said second chamber to said second diaphragm.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 including a third diaphragm disposed insaid third chamber in spaced relation to said second diapragm, saidthird diaphragm defining with said second diaphragm a fourth chamber forreceiving a predetermined volume of noncompressibl fluid, said thirddiaphragm and last mentioned fluid being provided to transmit pressureforces from said second chamber to said second diaphragm.

13. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said valve head is disc-shaped andsaid walls are contoured to provide valve seats for said valve heads.

14. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said housing comprises foursections and each of said diaphragms is secured in a chamber by .a pairof said sections.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said pumping fluid chamber isprovided with an air removal outlet adjacent the second diaphragm andthe top of the chamber.

16. A module for a fluid power transfer apparatus comprising a housinghaving a chamber, a first diaphragm secured adjacent one end of thehousing in communication with and enclosing one end of the chamber, asecond diaphragm secured adjacent another end of the housing incommunication with and enclosing another end of the chamber, one of thediaphragms being disposed to transmit fluid pressure generated forces tothe other of the diaphragms through at least one passage, valve meanspositioned completely outside the passage 8 and between the first andsecond diaphragms for limiting the distance of movement of at least oneof the diaphragms to minimize wear of and damage to the diaphragmswhereby the module may be readily installed as a unit in the fluid powertransfer apparatus.

17. A module for a fluid power transfer apparatus comprising a housinghaving a chamber, the chamber of the housing including enlarged endportions connected by a passage, a first diaphragm secured adjacent oneend of a housing in communication with and enclosing one end of thechamber, a second diaphragm secured adjacent another end of the housingin communication with and enclosing another end of the chamber, valvemeans in the chamber disposed between the first and second diaphragmsfor limiting the distance of movement of at least one of the diaphragmsto minimize wear of and damage to the diaphragm whereby the module maybe readily installed as a unit in a fluid power transfer apparatus, thevalve means being connected to and actuated by one of the diaphragms toclose the passage interconnecting the enlarged end portions at apredetermined pressure condition in the chamber, the valve means beingdisposed outside the passage.

18. The module of claim 17, wherein the walls of the chamber at oppositeends of the passage provide a pair of spaced valve seats, valve meansare connected to each of the diaphragms and are actuated thereby inresponse to predetermined pressure conditions in the chamber to closethe passage by seating on the valve seat to minimize diaphragm wear anddamage.

19. A module for a fluid power transfer apparatus comprising a housinghaving a chamber, a first diaphragm secured adjacent one end of thehousing in communication with and enclosing one end of the chamber, asecond diaphragm secured adjacent another end of th housing incommunication with and enclosing another end of the chamber, a thirddiaphragm is interposed between the first and second diaphragms of thehousing, the third diaphragm being secured within the housing andseparating the chamber thereof into two separate chambers, valve meansin the chamber disposed between the first and second diaphragms forlimiting the distance of movement of at least one of the diaphragms tominimize wear of and damage to the diaphragm whereby the module may bereadily installed as a unit in a fluid power transfer apparatus.

20. The module of claim 19, wherein the chamber of the housing includesenlarged end portions, each end portion being disposed in communicationwith the chamber portion containing the third diaphragm by a passage,and means on the third diaphragm for selectively sealing one of thepassages in response to a predetermined pressure condition within thechamber.

21. The module of claim 20, wherein the third diaphragm is provided witha pair of opposed valve means which are engageable with valve seat meansprovided on the portion of the housing defining the passage ends topermit the selective sealing of the passages.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,303,597 12/1942 Adelson 103-442,496,711 2/ 1950 Goddard 103-44 2,545,857 3/1951 Perkins et a1. 31-863,254,845 6/1966 Schlosser.

ROBERT M. WALKER, Primary Examiner.

